Who doesn’t love a cookie cake that’s easy to make and delicious to eat? Our lazy cookie cake recipe is perfect for those moments when you want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the classic flavors of a cookie with the fun of a cake, all in one simple dish.
This recipe uses minimal ingredients and requires little effort, making it ideal for beginners or anyone short on time. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or need a last-minute treat for guests, this lazy cookie cake has got you covered. Let’s dive into a hassle-free way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
Ingredients
To make our Lazy Cookie Cake delicious and effortless, we rely on a few simple ingredients. These components come together to create that perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie texture with the fun presentation of a cake.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base that gives our cookie cake structure
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – for lightness and slight rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness
- ½ cup packed brown sugar – adds moisture and rich, caramel notes
- ½ cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and slight crispness on edges
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled – brings richness and moisture
- 1 large egg – binds ingredients and adds tenderness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – infuses sweet aromatic flavor
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips – for classic melty chocolate bursts
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – adds crunch and a nutty depth
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles – perfect for a festive touch
| Ingredient Category | Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Base for cookie cake |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Leavening agent | |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Flavor enhancement | |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (packed) | Moisture and rich sweetness | |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Sweetness and edge crispness | |
| Wet Ingredients | Unsalted butter (melted, cooled) | ½ cup | Richness and moisture |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds and tenderizes | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds aromatic sweetness | |
| Optional Add-Ins | Chocolate chips | ½ cup | Melty chocolate flavor |
| Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) | ¼ cup | Crunch and nutty flavor | |
| Sprinkles | 2 tablespoons | Colorful decoration |
With these easy-to-find ingredients and optional mix-ins, our Lazy Cookie Cake comes together quickly without sacrificing any of the flavor or fun.
Equipment Needed
To make our Lazy Cookie Cake effortlessly, we need a few essential tools that streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time. Here’s a rundown of the equipment required:
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl to combine your dry and wet ingredients smoothly. We recommend a glass or stainless steel bowl for easy mixing and durability.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture and flavor. Have both dry and liquid measuring cups handy along with spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: For combining the sugars, butter, and egg, a whisk works great for incorporating air. Alternatively, a sturdy wooden spoon helps mix thicker batter without hassle.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure nothing goes to waste and for folding in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- 8- or 9-inch Round Cake Pan: We prefer a non-stick or lightly greased pan to create a perfectly shaped cookie cake with an even bake.
- Oven: A preheated conventional oven is necessary for baking. Make sure it’s calibrated correctly to maintain the recommended temperature.
To summarize our equipment essentials check out the table below:
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Large size preferred |
| Measuring Cups | Accurate ingredient measurement | Separate for dry and liquid |
| Whisk or Wooden Spoon | Mix batter smoothly | Choice based on batter texture |
| Silicone Spatula | Scrape bowl and fold add-ins | Flexible and heat-resistant |
| Round Cake Pan | Bake the cookie cake | 8- or 9-inch, greased |
| Oven | Bake at consistent temperature | Preheated to 350°F (175°C) |
Prep Work
Before we dive into combining our ingredients, let’s handle some important preliminary steps. Proper Prep Work sets the foundation for a perfectly baked lazy cookie cake.
Preheat Oven
First, we always want to preheat our oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature before baking, giving our cookie cake an even rise and a golden-brown top. Avoid skipping this step because baking in a cold oven can affect texture and baking time.
Prepare Baking Pan
Next, we prep our baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Use either an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan. Here’s how we get it ready:
- Lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray
- Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for added assurance
This way, our lazy cookie cake will slide out easily when baked perfectly.
Measure Ingredients
Accurate measuring is critical for baking success. We measure each ingredient precisely to maintain the balance of flavors and texture. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugars, and liquid measuring cups for melted butter and vanilla extract. Here’s a quick reference table for our main ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Spoon into cup, level off |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (packed) | |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (melted) | Allow to cool slightly |
| Large egg | 1 | Room temperature ideal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Precise measuring ensures our lazy cookie cake turns out moist, flavorful, and tender every time.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to effortlessly create our Lazy Cookie Cake, ensuring a delicious, moist, and tender dessert every time.
Making the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Whisk them together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sugars.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Beat the wet ingredients until smooth and combined.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
- Stir just until all ingredients are incorporated — avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
Adding Optional Add-Ins
Enhance the Lazy Cookie Cake with optional mix-ins depending on your preference. Here are some popular choices:
| Add-In | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chips | ½ cup | Semi-sweet or milk chocolate |
| Chopped nuts | ¼ cup | Walnuts, pecans, or almonds |
| Sprinkles | ¼ cup | For a fun, colorful touch |
Instructions:
Gently fold the add-ins into the batter after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. This ensures even distribution without deflating the batter.
Baking the Cookie Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already.
- Prepare your 8- or 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it well and optionally lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly with your spatula, smoothing the top.
- Place the pan in the center of the oven on the middle rack.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tip: For best texture, slice and serve the Lazy Cookie Cake slightly warm or at room temperature.
Cooling and Serving
Allowing the Lazy Cookie Cake to cool properly and serving it with care ensures a tender texture and delightful flavor experience. Here is how we manage the final steps to enjoy this quick and easy dessert.
Cooling Time
We recommend letting the cookie cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack. This resting time allows the cake to set, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
| Cooling Stage | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| In pan, on wire rack | 15 minutes | Cake firms and slightly cools |
| At room temperature | Additional 10-15 minutes (optional) | Achieves ideal serving texture |
Tip: Avoid cutting immediately after baking. The cake is quite soft and can break apart if sliced too soon.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled to your preference, we suggest serving the Lazy Cookie Cake with:
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a creamy contrast
- A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce to heighten indulgence
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing balance
- A dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch
We love serving this cake slightly warm or at room temperature to appreciate the soft, chewy crumb and rich buttery notes. For a playful twist, try layering slices with whipped cream or frosting to mimic a traditional layered cake experience.
Storage Tips
Store your Lazy Cookie Cake properly to keep it moist and flavorful:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (covered) | Up to 2 days | Place in an airtight container to prevent drying |
| Refrigerator (wrapped) | Up to 5 days | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture |
| Freezer (well-wrapped) | Up to 2 months | Slice before freezing; use airtight freezer bags |
When ready to serve refrigerated or frozen cake, bring it back to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive softness.
Conclusion
This lazy cookie cake is the perfect go-to dessert when time is tight but you still want something delicious. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make baking accessible to everyone, no matter your experience level.
With just a little prep and a quick bake, you’ll have a treat that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to bring smiles to any occasion.
Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss. We’re confident it’ll become one of your favorites for those lazy baking days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lazy cookie cake?
A lazy cookie cake is an easy-to-make dessert that combines cookie flavors with the fun of a cake. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for quick treats or beginner bakers.
What ingredients do I need for the lazy cookie cake?
You need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, an egg, and vanilla extract. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles can be added for extra flavor.
What equipment is needed to bake this cake?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or wooden spoon, a silicone spatula, and an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan.
How do I prepare the pan for baking?
Grease the cake pan well and optionally line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
What temperature should I bake the lazy cookie cake at?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking and a golden-brown top.
How long should the cake bake?
Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Yes, optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles can be folded into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
How long should the cake cool before serving?
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack to ensure a tender texture and easier slicing.
What are good serving suggestions for the lazy cookie cake?
Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature with ice cream, warm sauces, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Warm slightly before serving to revive softness.